Status of Forces Agreement

As the SOFA negotiations near their deadline, the Iraqi Cabinet is seeking further amendments to the SOFA draft regarding the duration of U.S. troop presence. Responding to this request, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated his reluctance to make any changes to the draft given the time constraints. For the latest on these complex negotiations, read:

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

The Status of Forces Agreement has recently reached a new phase as Iraqi and U.S. negotiators discuss the final details. However, internal politics and foreign interference continue to put the agreement's future into question.